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question on welding galvanized

12-03-2006, 12:34 PM

i need to build some freezer racks out of galvanized. what would be the best prosses to weld it with? mig or stick. should i use 6011 or 6013 or some fluxcore. they will be 1 /8 thick angle and 1/4 round stock. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. also all u guys and girls do a great job and are very helpful keep up the good work. also want to give a shout out to those who live in nc.

Either process is Ok -- but for the thickness you describe, I'd use the stick machine (DC+). Not trying to lecture you or anything, but I'm assuming you are very familiar with the hazards of welding galvanized material. Proper ventilation, a dedicated supplied air source and joint prep are just the starting points.

I know some professional welders who won't touch galvanized. You could get killed welding this stuff if you don't take the proper precautions.

Comment

Either process is fine. Just make sure you only weld for a few minutes then take a few minute breather in a fresh air enviroment. Also drink lots of milk.

Since I don't know whether you're in the welding profession I can only comment.

"taking a breather and drinking lots of milk" will definitely get you very sick. It doesn't take too much exposure to zinc fumes to get poisoned (welder's fever). The proper procedure is to use a proper respirator or better yet, a dedicated air source. Since you can absorb the zinc not only through your lungs but also through any exposed tissue -- such as your eyes.

Some of the more senior guys on this forum will know more about the OSHA requirements and where to find the proper procedures for welding zinc coated metals.

Be careful!!

Comment

Hi dredgewelder, I spent the majority of my career in marine construction. Mostly bridges and docks. Iíve done lots of docks with galvanized piling and beams. Iíve also been galvanized poisoned 12 different times. Trust me itís not fun .
If I had a lot of welding to do I would use Hobartís 21-B Fabshield. Iíve run literally tons of this, it performs better than NR-211, or 212 on galvanized material . If using SMAW, 6010 or 6011 will work.
Now what works best for me is to set up a fan real close to your work, and blow the fumes away form you. And of course work outside!

Comment

Since I don't know whether you're in the welding profession I can only comment.

"taking a breather and drinking lots of milk" will definitely get you very sick. It doesn't take too much exposure to zinc fumes to get poisoned (welder's fever). The proper procedure is to use a proper respirator or better yet, a dedicated air source. Since you can absorb the zinc not only through your lungs but also through any exposed tissue -- such as your eyes.

Some of the more senior guys on this forum will know more about the OSHA requirements and where to find the proper procedures for welding zinc coated metals.

Be careful!!

I'm not a professional, but my instructor taught me the milk thing. He's spent 28 years in the Navy as welder, welding on a lot of galvanized on the ships.

Comment

Grind as much of the galvinizing off of the material if possible, and use a resporator with the proper cartrages... There are cold galvanizing sprays that can be used to cover up the grinded / welded area after the job is complete. Be careful, only a single strong inhalation of the fumes can make you sick. Milk seems to be a very old method of protection from zinc(but still viable), but honestly, you will still be welding in a cloud of poisonous fumes. Cadmium poisoning is similar to zinc poisoning in my experience, I first encountered it when welding toggle clamps onto a frame jig using TIG back in 94.